WhatsApp Adds Email Recovery Option as Meta Reveals Steps to Secure Accounts

WhatsApp Adds Email Recovery Option as Meta Reveals Steps to Secure Accounts

  • WhatsApp introduces email linking for easier account recovery and enhanced security
  • Users can add their email during registration or in settings for added protection
  • Verification issues may arise; check connections and DNS settings for solutions

Pascal Oparada is a journalist with Legit.ng, covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy for over a decade.

WhatsApp users can now add an email address to their accounts, giving them another way to regain access if they lose access to their phone number or cannot receive the six-digit verification code by SMS or phone call.

The feature adds an extra layer of account recovery and security, particularly for users who may temporarily lose access to their mobile numbers.

WhatsApp adds new email recovery feature
WhatsApp reveals steps to recover an account via a new email feature. Credit: Novatis
Source: UGC

Why you should add your email address

Linking an email address to a WhatsApp account can make account recovery easier when standard phone-based verification is unavailable.

If a user needs to re-register their phone number but cannot receive an SMS or phone call, WhatsApp can send recovery instructions to the verified email address.

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The email can also provide another channel through which WhatsApp may contact users about potential security issues involving their accounts.

However, adding an email address does not replace the phone number requirement for creating a WhatsApp account. Instead, it provides an additional recovery option.

How to add an email address to WhatsApp

Users can link their email address to WhatsApp in just a few steps.

To get started:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
  2. Select Account, then tap Email Address.
  3. Enter the email address you want to link to your account.
  4. WhatsApp will send a verification code to the email address.
  5. Enter the code to complete the verification process.

Users can also add an email address during the initial registration process when WhatsApp prompts them to set up their account.

What to do if verification fails

Some users may encounter problems while attempting to add or verify an email address.

WhatsApp recommends checking the internet connection first. If the problem continues, users can switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to determine whether the network is causing the issue.

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If changing networks does not resolve the problem, DNS settings could be responsible. Certain third-party DNS configurations may interfere with WhatsApp services.

Users experiencing persistent problems can try switching back to their mobile carrier's default DNS settings. Alternatively, they may use reputable public DNS services such as Google's 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1.

An extra layer of account protection

WhatsApp adds new email recovery feature
Meta shows a step-by-step process to recover an account via email. Credit: Novatis
Source: Getty Images

Adding an email address is a simple precaution that could prove valuable when access to a phone number becomes difficult.

For WhatsApp users, keeping their recovery information updated can provide an important backup route and reduce the risk of being locked out of their accounts when phone-based verification is unavailable.

WhatsApp rolls out username feature

Legit.ng earlier reported that WhatsApp's newly introduced username key, a feature designed to bolster user privacy by requiring a special key for first-time contacts to initiate conversations.

This innovative tool aims to protect users from unsolicited messages while ensuring that existing contacts remain unaffected, making communication seamless.

Imagine receiving unwanted messages from strangers becoming a thing of the past—this new username key could be the game-changer users have been waiting for. With privacy concerns on the rise, WhatsApp's latest feature addresses these issues head-on, enhancing the overall user experience on the platform.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Pascal Oparada avatar

Pascal Oparada (Business editor) For over a decade, Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy. He has worked in many media organizations such as Daily Independent, TheNiche newspaper, and the Nigerian Xpress. He is a 2018 PwC Media Excellence Award winner. Email:pascal.oparada@corp.legit.ng